Ratcliffe College 拉德利学院, Fosse Way, Ratcliffe on the Wreake, Leicestershire LE7 4SG
Tel: 01509 817000 Fax: 01509 817004
Website: www.ratcliffecollege.com
• CO-ED, 3–18 Day, 10–18 Boarding (full & weekly)
• Pupils 616, Upper sixth 45
• Termly fees £1805–£3371 (Day), £5077 (Boarding), £4039–£5077 (Weekly boarding)
• HMC
• Enquiries/application to the Headmaster

What it’s like
Founded in 1847 by priests of the Institute of Charity as a school for Catholic boys but has been co-educational since 1984 and under lay management since 1996. Set in 100 acres of splendid grounds 7 miles from Leicester, the main buildings (designed by Pugin) form a compact block round a quadrangle with the old chapel, now converted, occupying a central position. Recent additions include a fine sports centre with an all-weather hockey pitch, swimming pool and modernised classrooms. It is a Catholic school but welcomes non-Catholic pupils who are in sympathy with the college ethos. Academically, morally, socially and spiritually it aims to equip pupils to succeed and to make the sort of contribution to society which is the ideal of the Christian life. A balanced, rounded education is provided that seeks to build upon each child’s potential. Music, drama and art are all strongly supported. A number of clubs and societies cater for most extra-curricular activities. The CCF has strong Army and RAF contingents and there is a voluntary service unit. Much emphasis is put on adventure training, leadership training and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.

School profile

Pupils & entrance
Pupils: Age range 3–18; 616 pupils, 514 day (324 boys, 190 girls), 102 boarding (60 boys, 42 girls). Senior department 11–18, 452 pupils (288 boys, 164 girls).
Entrance: Main entry ages 3, 5, 10, 11, 14 and 16. Entrance by own examination or Common Entrance, school report and interview. For sixth-form entry, 5 GCSEs at grade C (including at least grade C in sixth-form subjects; grade A for maths). State school entry, 40+% of main intake plus 12% to sixth form. Many pupils from own junior department (on same site, together with nursery school).

Scholarships & bursaries Total 20 pa academic scholarships, value £450–£2100 fees, plus sixth-form scholarships and other awards. Bursaries and discounts for siblings and service children.

Head & staff
Headmaster: Peter Farrar, in post from 1999. Educated at St George’s, Weybridge, and at universities of Oxford and Birmingham. Previously Deputy Head at Woldingham and at Chatham House Grammar School.
Teaching staff: 55 full time, 15 part time. Annual turnover 10%. Average age 35.

Exam results
GCSE: On average, 80 pupils in fifth form: 52% gain at least grade C in 8+ subjects; 38% in 5–7 subjects. Average GCSE score 48 (over 5 years).
A-levels: 45 in upper sixth: 88% pass in 3+ subjects; 12% in 2 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 264.

University & college entrance 90% of sixth-form leavers go on to degree courses, 5% to Oxbridge. 24% took courses in science & engineering, 37% in humanities & social sciences, 19% in art & design. Others typically go on to art courses or straight into careers.

Curriculum GCSE, AS and A-levels, Vocational A-levels (AVCEs). 21 AS/A-level subjects, 2 AVCEs.
Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; general studies taught but not examined. 30% take science A-levels; 60% arts/humanities; 10% both. Complementary studies compulsory, taught as discrete units.
Vocational: Work experience available. AVCEs in ICT and business studies offered.
Special provision: EAL tuition available; some special needs provision for those with minor specific learning difficulties through in-house specialists.
Languages: French, German and Spanish offered to GCSE and A-level.
ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject (1–2 lessons a week in Years 7–11) and across the curriculum. 130 computers for pupil use (12 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access.

The arts
Music: 20% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Many musical groups including jazz band, orchestra and choir. A-level music can be taken.
Drama: A-level drama and media studies offered. Many pupils involved in school productions. Number of awards in local theatre festivals; close links with Loughborough Drama Centre.
Art & design: On average, 30 take GCSE, 10 A-level.

Sport & activities
Sport: Rugby, hockey and cricket compulsory for boys; hockey, netball, tennis, rounders for girls. Optional: squash, badminton, swimming, basketball, athletics, golf. County representatives in rugby, cricket, hockey, netball. GCSE and A-level sports science available.
Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. CCF; voluntary service encouraged (visits to local centres for elderly and disabled). Up to 10 clubs, eg chess, science, debating, quiz, film (has won national and international awards).

School life
Uniform: School uniform worn; dark suits an alternative in sixth form.
Houses & prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head boy and girl and head of house appointed by the Headmaster. School Council.
Religion: Attendance at religious worship compulsory for boarders on Sundays, for all on Holy Days.
Social: Visits to Eastern Europe, Germany, France, Italy. Pupils allowed to bring own car to school. Some meals formal; most self-service. School shop. Bar for sixth form, run by staff, 3 times a week.

Discipline An unobtrusive but effective approach to discipline. A policy of rewards and sanctions used by the staff to encourage pupils’ self-discipline and an observance of the school rules: merit badges and certificates received during school assembly for good behaviour and achievement; system of detention for minor misdemeanours or, usually, community service, for more serious incidents.